The skyline in Edinburgh is dominated by it’s stunning castle. Not only is the castle an inspiring site, but the views from the castle are breathtaking as well. It was easy to see where J.K. Rowling found her inspiration for Hogwarts when looking at the castle. In fact, from the castle you can even see the private school with four distinct houses that also is said to have inspired Rowling. I assume that the school inspired some of Hogwarts operations while the castle inspired some of the aesthetics. As someone who has been on the studio tour in London and lives down the street from Universal’s Wizarding World, I can truthfully say that Edinburgh Castle and the surrounding areas felt more like Hogwarts to me than anything else I have experienced.
Although there has been a royal castle here since the 12th century, human occupation here started in the 2nd century AD. As a history lover, I enjoy the feeling of standing on ground that is rich with history. With a history that starts in the Iron Age, includes being a royal residence, a military stronghold, and an army base, I knew that my footsteps followed those who made history in the United Kingdom. And while Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s most visited paid tourist attraction, on the chilly March days that we were there, it was never too busy. And although there are many castles to be seen throughout the United Kingdom (and some more famous than this) Edinburgh Castle has a certain mysteriousness to it that really drew me in.
Drawing parallels from Edinburgh Castle to Hogwarts are not difficult. Both are castles located in Scotland, both are surrounded by an old city filled with quirky shops and delicious eats, both have stunning views that include mountains, both have been the location of violent battles, and both sit high up in the sky, forcing us to look up in awe at them.
